In Buddhism, clasping hands together is a common ritual action with rich connotations and far-reaching significance. Gassho may seem simple, but it is a profound expression of Buddhism, which embodies the wisdom and state of mind of Buddhist practitioners. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of clasped hands in Buddhism from multiple perspectives, in the hope that readers will be able to understand more deeply the true meaning of this action.
1. Gassho is a symbol of peace and unity
The first meaning of gassho is that it represents peace, friendship and solidarity and cooperation. Putting your hands together means letting go of strife and injury, and signifying the cohesion and unity of the strength of the ten parties. At the same time, the ten fingers are put together in the heart, symbolizing sincerity and sincerity, and one heart to the Buddha. This spirit of peace and solidarity is the state pursued by Buddhist practitioners and the values that human society should uphold.
2. The principle of the vacuum of gassho
When the palms are closed, the back of the palm is slightly bowed, and the palm is slightly bent, forming a hollow, which symbolizes the principle of vacuum. Buddhism emphasizes the realization of emptiness, that is, the realization that all things are empty and that there is no substance. As a type of seal, gassho reminds practitioners to realize the vacuum, not to be confused by illusions, so as to return to their own nature and achieve Buddhahood.
3. The spatiotemporal significance of gassho
The palms are closed at the mouth of the heart, vertically indicating the vertical and poor three worlds, that is, the infinite extension of time, and the back of the palms is slightly bulging, and the horizontal development indicates that the ten directions are horizontal, that is, the vastness of space. This action integrates the universe into one, and all the dharmas are united into one mind, which reflects the Buddhist practitioners' deep understanding and ease of using time and space.
Fourth, the gassho of the delusional cultivation of the mind
The hands are together, and the palms are facing each other, representing the cessation of the reckless movement of the hands and the convergence of the relaxed body and mind. This is the process of eliminating greed, hatred, naivety, and other afflictions, and returning to a pure mind. At the same time, gassho also represents the enlightenment of the dust, that is, to abandon the confusion of the six dusts in the external world, realize the wisdom of Bodhi, and embark on the path of spiritual liberation.
Fifth, the equality of gassho is the same
The left and right hands represent delusion and attachment, and when they are one, there is no left and right, but they are also left and right, and they are equal and the same. This symbolizes the elimination of delusional attachments and the manifestation of the state of virtue, and embodies the state of the Buddhist practitioner's pursuit of equality and unity.
Sixth, the unified state of mind of gassho
Gassho is also known as the Gassho, the palms of the hands are opposite each other and close to the heart, indicating that the ten Dharma realms are united in one heart. Whether it is the realm of hell or the realm of Buddhism, they are all created by the mind and manifested from the heart. This state of mind is the highest state of mind that Buddhist practitioners strive for, and it is also the key to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
7. Gassho ingesting sentient beings and making offerings to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
The ten fingers represent the ten directions, and the ten together in the heart and mouth not only show the equality of all sentient beings, but also show that the sentient beings of the ten directions are returned to the Buddha's path. At the same time, namaste also means to make respectful offerings to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Ten Directions and to absorb the merits of the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, and to achieve good roots with one's own mind. This spirit of absorbing sentient beings and making offerings to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas embodies the Buddhist concept of great compassion and universal compassion for all sentient beings.
8. The meaning of gassho to become a Buddha
Putting our hands together in our hearts indicates that our minds need to practice the ten paramitas before we can become Buddhas. These ten paramitas, namely generosity, vows, forbearance, diligence, meditation, wisdom, convenience, willingness, strength, and wisdom, are the only way for Buddhist practitioners to attain Buddhahood. At the same time, the Ten Xuanmen of Huayan and the Ten Wishes of Fuxian also express the meaning of perfection, so the folded hands also symbolize the beautiful vision of being able to become a Buddha.
9. The unity of gassho and the dual cultivation of blessing and wisdom
On the left and right sides of the Guru Shakyamuni, there are two great disciples, the Eye, the Pillar, and the Sariputta, representing the solution and the action, respectively. The left and right are combined, that is, the expression is unified. In the same way, the bodhisattvas Manjushri and Puxian, Guanyin and Dashi Zhi also represent the concepts of the unity of understanding and action and the dual cultivation of happiness and wisdom, respectively. This spirit of unity, unity of action, and happiness and wisdom is the ideal state pursued by Buddhist practitioners, and it is also the key to achieving supreme bodhi.
10. The consciousness of gassho is that he is in harmony with the great wish
The left hand represents self-realization, and the right hand represents self-awareness. Only when the two are combined into one is that the bodhisattva practitioner can be interested in enlightenment and complete the attainment of supreme bodhi. At the same time, the left and right hands also represent the wish and the action respectively, if there is a great wish but there is no great action, it will become an empty wish, and if there is no great wish, it will be a false wish, and if there is no great wish, it will be blind and will not achieve great results. The two are combined, and the wish can be set aside, and the wish can be fulfilled by the wish. This spirit of self-awareness and great aspiration is an important way for Buddhist practitioners to achieve self-interest and altruism, and it is also a necessary condition for achieving Buddhahood.
11. All the objects offered to the Buddha are mainly used to enlighten us on how to practice. Among all the offerings, the Dharma offering is the most. In the Ten Wishes of the Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva said seven true Dharma offerings. Sincerely clasping one's palms in front of the icon, admiring the Buddha, and acting according to the Buddha's knowledge is the best offering. The so-called "gassho is a flower, as an offering tool." Kindness is true and fragrant, and praise the fragrant cloud cloth". The body is like a plate, and the clasped hands are a flower on the plate. From this, it is known that gassho also stands for "budding to be released", which refers to the practice of the place. When the flower blossoms and bears fruit, it is Bodhi.
In Buddhism, the meaning of folding hands is far-reaching and extensive, it is not only a ceremonial action, but also a manifestation of the state of cultivation. By clasping our hands together, we can realize the profound connotations of peace and unity, the principle of vacuum, the meaning of time and space, the cessation of delusional cultivation, equality and unity, the state of mind, the absorption of sentient beings and offerings to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, the meaning of attaining Buddhahood, and the unity of interpretation and practice and the dual cultivation of happiness and wisdom. Therefore, we should use and practice the action of folding our hands more in our daily lives in order to better understand the wisdom and practice of Buddhism.